A patient with a potassium level of 3 mEq/L is to receive furosemide (Lasix) 20 mg by mouth. What action should the nurse take?

a. Give the Lasix 30 minutes early.
b. Give the Lasix as scheduled now.
c. Consult the RN before giving Lasix.
d. Hold this scheduled dose of the Lasix.


ANS: C
Furosemide (Lasix) is a potassium-wasting diuretic. The potassium level is low, so the Lasix should not be given, and the RN or physician should be notified of the potassium level for further orders. A. B. D. These actions should not be done before consulting with the RN.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

The nurse is caring for a patient with a suspected mental health disorder who is having blood drawn to check electrolyte levels. The patient says, "What does my blood work have to do with my mental health?" Which response by the nurse is correct?

a. "Electrolyte imbalances are the cause of certain mental health disorders." b. "Some mental health disorders cause the electrolytes to be out of balance." c. "The doctor wants to make sure your symptoms are not caused by a physical problem." d. "People with mental illnesses frequently take illicit drugs that can cause electrolyte imbalances."

Nursing

The most common obstetric cause of DIC is

a. pre-eclampsia. c. dead fetus syndrome. b. abruptio placentae. d. amniotic fluid embolism.

Nursing

A patient with severe schizophrenia is seen at a community mental health center. He tells the nurse, "I am here to save the world. I threw away the pills because they make God go away."

The nurse identifies the patient's reason for medication nonadherence as: a. poor alliance with clinicians. b. inadequate discharge planning. c. dislike of drug side effects. d. poor insight into his illness.

Nursing

Leaders who "commit people to action, convert followers into leaders, and convert leaders into agents of change" are called:

a. transactional leaders c. charismatic leaders b. situational leaders d. transformational leaders

Nursing